Housing minister reaffirms commitment to tackling real estate challenges

Nigeria’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, an architect, has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling real estate challenges.

This was contained in the minister’s acceptance speech when he was declared  “Africa’s Housing Minister of the Year 2024”, during the star-studded Africa Housing Awards 2024  organised in Abuja.

The minister emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in the area of affordable housing provision

He highlighted key initiatives under his leadership, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which has delivered over 10,000 housing units and created over 250,000 jobs nationwide.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has made housing a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development plan.

“This award is a testament to the progress we have made, but there is still much to be done. Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian has access to safe and affordable housing,” he said.

In his address, the coordinator of the awards, Festus Adebayo, emphasized the importance of housing as a cornerstone of development.

“These awards are not just about recognition; they are a call to action for everyone involved in the housing ecosystem to double down on efforts to bridge the housing deficit in Africa,” he said.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin who was represented by his wife Hajiya Mariam, pledged legislative support to drive growth in the housing sector.

“We are committed to enacting policies that will make homeownership a reality for every Nigerian,” he stated, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize land administration and expand access to affordable mortgages.

It was a night to celebrates excellence in housing and construction innovation.

The event, which was held at the Musa Yar’Adua Event Centre, brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and visionaries from across Africa, showcasing remarkable achievements in innovation, sustainability, and affordability.

The chairman of the occasion, Arc. Musa Sada, praised the organisers and commended the honorees for their transformative contributions.

“The Africa Housing Awards serves as a vital platform to recognize excellence and inspire innovation in housing development,” he remarked, urging policymakers to continue prioritizing the sector.

Governors also shone brightly, with Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State being celebrated as “Urban Planning/Housing-Friendly Governor of the Year” and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State receiving the “Housing Friendly Governor of the Year award”. Both leaders were lauded for their visionary policies and impactful projects addressing housing deficits in their states. Sokoto’s ongoing development of 1,000 housing units and Nasarawa’s strides in rural and urban housing underscore the transformative power of leadership in this critical sector.

The Affordable Housing Hall of Fame took center stage with the induction of two trailblazers: Arc. Jumoke Akinwunmi and Prof. Olumide Olusanya. Their legacies in affordable housing development were celebrated as a source of inspiration for future generations.

The ceremony also recognised Kecia Rust of the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa and TAF Africa Global for their groundbreaking contributions to affordable housing solutions across the continent.

Governors, ministers, legislators, and commissioners were recognized as well. Senator Aliyu Wamakko was named “Housing Friendly Senator of the Year”, Her Excellency, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, First Lady of Cross River State, “Humanitarian Award In Women Empowerment & Recognition Award in Women in Real Estate”, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology as “Champion of 3D Smart City Development of the Year Award 2024” and Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin received the “Housing Friendly Legislator of the Year award”, alongside Hon. Amos Daniel, Chairman of the House Services Committee, Chief Fabian Nwaora, Chairman of EFAB Properties Limited, was named Real Estate Person of the Year”, while Chairman of Thinklab Group, Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori received the award for “Youth Innovative CEO of the Year”.

Corporate excellence was another highlight, with top real estate companies such as Eximia Realty Company Limited, COPEN Group, Urban Shelter Limited, among others were honoured for their outstanding contributions.

“These companies have set benchmarks in luxury, affordability, and sustainability, reinforcing their roles as industry leaders,” Adebayo said.

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